Cleveland Browns: 3 players who could lose a roster spot to analytics
3. Vernon
It’s hard to imagine Olivier Vernon will be on the Browns in 2019, no matter who ends up coaching Cleveland.
The defensive end is due to earn $15.5 million in 2020, but injures plagued Vernon, who played in just 10 games and contributed a whopping 3.5 sacks. His absence shined a brighter light on weak the Browns’ pass rush was after Myles Garrett was suspended.
Vernon will be a 30 in October, and you can go ahead and speculate how “analytics” feels about that. If he’s on the roster next season, he’ll be the Browns’ highest paid player.
The Browns could always trade him, but that’s probably unlikely. Look for Cleveland, no matter who ends up coaching next season, to cut Vernon.
If the organization releases Vernon by June 1, Vernon will cost the team nothing under the cap, according to The Athletic’s Pat McManamon.
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If Vernon is released, you’d better go ahead and add defensive edge rusher to the Browns’ list. While Chad Thomas had some moments last season, nobody really screamed “starter” with Garrett and Vernon out.